A lot of Newcastle United fans have commented on a piece by Chris Waugh on Joelinton.
The Athletic reporter spent the match on Saturday watching the Brazilian to analyse what he does.
The main points to come out are that Joelinton had 48 touches of the ball, but only two were in the box; he had one shot from distance saved by Vincente Guaita (0:37), and it has now been 1,946 minutes since he last scored a goal in the Premier League.
Why is Joelinton struggling?
He isn't very good
He isn't used properly by Bruce
This piece has drawn a good response from these Newcastle fans who are discussing Joelinton and how Steve Bruce is not getting the best out of him.
3 positions, one shot, 48 touches (but just 2 inside the opposition box) & 1,946 minutes without a Premier League goal
@TheAthleticUK watched Joelinton closely throughout the 90 minutes at Selhurst Park to see what the £40m striker does for #NUFC: https://t.co/D4UpFga26Y
— Chris Waugh (@ChrisDHWaugh) February 24, 2020
A lot is said about his lack of touches in the box . That is more to do with how deep we are constantly rather than a reflection on him. Gayle only touched the ball8 times playing up top on sat. Joelinton has been massively sold down the river
— ben sandell (@sandell84) February 24, 2020
The answer as we know is, not much
— Martin Johnson (@MartinJohnson10) February 24, 2020
And you wonder why Rafa wasn’t interested in him
— Stevie (@ConfuddledSteve) February 24, 2020
Now take a look at our own box… that tells the story about why he’s only got one goal in the PL there’s a striker there… if he’s coached properly… Newcastle CAN attack… that was evident against city! It’s clear to see that the team is coached to defend…
— Anth Sloan (@AnthonySloan2) February 24, 2020
Ok let’s settle this: I’ve not been his greatest fan!! BUT with a change of formation and a decent CAM (would need to buy one), I for one think he’ll be ok the formation doesn’t suit him he needs help and support up top and he simple ain’t getting it.. #NUFC
— Steve Charnock (@CharnockSteve) February 24, 2020
Read this with interest, excellent detailed article. Seems the lack of a Perez figure is really detrimental. You touched on the lack of harmony up front and I think this is the key to our failure. 3 lads doing 3 different jobs. SB has a job on…
— Pete Gorham (@Pete_Gorham) February 25, 2020
Constant criticism of Joelinton is just pointless really when it’s Bruce who signed him and is meant to know his best position and how to play him. Yet somehow because he’s one of the ‘golden generation’ of British managers he gets away with it in the press.
— Gem (@gems_endgame) February 24, 2020
We really should have signed rondon with him or giroud in jan, joelinton looks very much a loftus cheek type player potential in behind a striker. Bruce has the option to try this with a 4-1-3-1-1 formation with gayle carroll or muto up top but he is to thick to work it out.
— Jimmy??? (@Jimmy4249) February 24, 2020
It’s baffling, is it not, how Ashley starved Rafa of the funds needed to build the squad in his vision, but as soon as he leaves he drops £40m on this guy?
— Lee Buchanan (@LeeBuchanan84) February 25, 2020
What do we think?
The 23-year-old cost Newcastle £40m in the summer, and for that money, one goal in the Premier League is probably not good enough.
However, he is playing in a side who have scored the joint-lowest number of goals in the league.
The Toon have also not scored in their last three league games, and their top goalscorer is midfielder Jonjo Shelvey.
Yes, Joelinton should be doing more, but Bruce has to find a way to improve the Toon going forward or the Brazilian could continue to struggle.